Concord, NH Statehouse.
For those of my friends who were uninspired by today's women's marches; who desired neither to march, nor to support, and did not understand why the marches were happening, please consider this:673 marches took place, worldwide today, in order to bring women's issues to the front of the table. Whether or not you agree that this is important in this day and age and in this country, think about that number again - 673 marches WORLDWIDE. Marches in France, England, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, South Africa, Amsterdam, Greece, Australia, Spain, Italy, Norway, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Sweden, Canada, and Kenya - just to name a few. Over 70 countries marched alongside the hundreds of marches in the United States.
Why am I writing this? Because today, in 673 total marches, millions of women raised their voices together in support of women's rights. Yes, we in America have many of those rights already, but that does not mean that our fight here is over. Far from it, when a man whose own words condemning him as a sexual predator is now holding the highest office in our land. Far from it when women are still not making the same amount of money, dollar for dollar, that men in the same position are making. Far from it when at least 1 in 3 women have been, or will be, sexually assaulted in her lifetime. Far from it when legislation continues to get made to try to determine what we can and cannot do with our bodies, while organizations that help women stay healthy are being vilified.
Yes, I woke up, having slept in my warm bed, to put on clean clothes and eat a good breakfast. I am grateful that I live in a place and have the means to do so. That means I am all the more obligated to raise my voice on behalf of those who do not have those same privileges, whether it be in my country or another. And millions of women around the world today did that. Some marched in pink pussy hats, some with signs and banners, some with songs on their lips, and some tears in their eyes. Some marched in disbelief that this is 2017 and we are STILL having to have these conversations. Some of us couldn't march physically, and marched in spirit from our homes, carried on the shoulders of our loved ones and friends, supporting them from the sidelines, ready to welcome them as they came back through the doors of their homes.
I am a lesbian, a Jew, and the mother of an adopted Hispanic daughter whom I will have to teach, someday, about why we marched today. I belong to three minority groups. The only "advantage" I have is that I appear white on the surface - my daughter will not even have that. She will be a Hispanic, Jewish, daughter of two lesbians who cannot hide behind her skin-tone. I marched today, in spirit, for her as she napped peacefully on the second floor beneath me, blissfully unaware of the maelstrom of fears, worries, and concerns that brought about todays demonstrations. I marched with my wife as she physically went out to do what I could not. I marched with my friends - many of whom have become family.
I even marched for you - for your future rights, whether or not you can see the importance of it now.